Chapter - 4

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Y/N POV

I struggled to open my eyes, squinting against the harsh afternoon sunlight that streamed through the window. My surroundings came into focus—I was in Hermione’s dormitory. After spending the previous night sitting on a field of itchy grass, I had finally managed to steal a few solid hours of sleep, but it hadn’t been nearly enough.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Hermione rushed in, her face a mask of urgency.

“Oh Merlin, you’re awake! Quickly, put on your robes and come to the Great Hall!” she exclaimed, shutting the door behind her with a determined thud.

What on earth had happened?

I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the lingering haze of sleep. After hastily freshening up, I made my way down the stairs, the wooden steps creaking under my weight. Pushing open the door to the Great Hall, I was immediately struck by an odd sight—there were no fifth years or younger students in sight.

The room was filled with upperclassmen, all eyes turning to me as I walked toward the Gryffindor table. Hermione pointed to an empty seat beside her, silently urging me to sit.

“Sorry, sorry,” I mumbled, sliding into the chair next to my bushy-haired friend, my heart racing at the unexpected attention.

“Ahem.” A shrill voice echoed through the hall, silencing the whispers. It was none other than Professor McGonagall, our headmistress, her expression serious.

“Thank you, Professor,” said a lion-like man with tawny hair, bushy eyebrows, and piercing yellow eyes, who stood at the front wearing wire-rimmed glasses.

“Good morning, witches and wizards of Hogwarts. We are gathered here today for the announcement of a life-changing law. I, Rufus Scrimgeour, the current Minister of Magic, will be making this announcement on behalf of the Ministry,” he declared, pulling a crumpled note from his pocket.

As he spoke, my gaze drifted to the boy in front of me. Harry Potter—the Boy Who Lived—was undeniably captivating, with his untidy raven hair and bright emerald eyes. I felt my heart flutter unexpectedly. I quickly shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the matter at hand.

Scrimgeour handed the note to Professor McGonagall, who flicked her wand. In an instant, the note transformed into a stunning, golden goblet, encircled by flickering blue flames.

“Young witches and wizards, this is an ancient magical artifact used to find your pair—your soulmate—to fulfill your life’s milestones,” he explained, gesturing to the goblet, which sparkled with a mesmerizing light.

“The law is called the Marriage Law. All subjects have four months to marry and then five months after that to conceive. Tests have been conducted on all subjects between the ages of 17 and 27. Most individuals have been matched with other witches, wizards, or even muggle families who know of our world. The matches are based on reproductive compatibility. Anyone who fails to comply will face a seven-year sentence in Azkaban, and their wand will be snapped,” he said, his voice heavy with authority as he shared a knowing look with McGonagall.

The hall erupted into hushed whispers and startled gasps, the weight of the announcement sinking in.

“You must gather here again at 7:00 PM sharp, dressed appropriately, to discover your partners. Letters will be sent to everyone in case of any mistakes,” McGonagall added, her tone firm yet reassuring as she dismissed us.

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Harry POV

As Professor McGonagall detailed the new law, my mind wandered to the girl seated in front of me. I didn’t know her name, but there was something mesmerizing about her—her silky, beautiful hair, the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Okay, wait, Harry! Are you actually developing a crush on a girl without even knowing her? That’s just ridiculous!

“School dismissed,” McGonagall ordered, snapping me back to reality.

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Y/N POV

As the students began to disperse, I decided to head to the library to find some books. I felt a presence following me but brushed it aside, quickening my pace toward the library.

Once there, I settled into a quiet corner, took out a book, and lost myself in its pages. The library was eerily silent, with only the faint rustle of parchment breaking the stillness. Nearby, I noticed Hermione and her two friends whispering and bickering over something.

“Hey, um, Y/N, can we sit here? The other tables are full,” Hermione said, glancing over her shoulder at the two boys.

“Sure, but call me Rose,” I replied with a friendly grin.

“Thanks, Rose,” said the boy with red hair and a face full of freckles.

I caught snippets of quiet bickering from Hermione’s side and sighed, realizing my reading would have to wait.

After putting my book aside, I was surprised when Harry spoke up again.

“Hey, um, Rose, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with us?” he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

“Yeah, sure! Where do you guys want to go?” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity as I packed my bag.

“How about the girls' dormitory? There's absolutely no one who can enter,” Hermione suggested, shooting us a conspiratorial glance.

We all nodded in agreement and headed toward our dorm.

“So… what do you guys want to do?” I asked, sitting on my bed with my legs crossed, trying to hide my nervousness.

“Just talk, you know? Get to know you better, or we can play some games,” Harry replied, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. He transfigured Hermione’s book into a comfortable chair, while Ron settled beside Hermione.

“Sounds good, right, Hermione?” Ron nudged her, and she nodded eagerly.

“Then start asking me questions. I’ll answer them,” I said, feeling both nervous and excited.

“Okay, um… your full name?” Ron asked, his curiosity evident.

“Y/N Roseanne,” I replied.

“Nickname?” Harry chimed in, leaning forward.

“Rose,” I answered with a smile.

“Hobby?” Ron asked eagerly, his eyes shining.

“Flying.”

“Type of novels?” Hermione beamed, clearly interested.

“Romance and horror,” I replied, feeling a bit shy.

“Siblings?” Harry inquired.

“A brother,” I said, a hint of longing creeping into my voice.

“Crush?” Hermione asked quickly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Ha—what now?!” I stammered, my cheeks heating up.

The trio erupted into laughter, and I couldn’t help but join in, the sound lightening my heart.

We spent the afternoon playing board games and wandering near the Black Lake, the atmosphere filled with laughter and warmth.

“It’s almost 6:45!” Hermione reminded us, and we made our way back to the Great Hall, laughs spilling from our lips.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but hope this moment of joy would last, even amidst the uncertainty that loomed ahead.

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Don't be a ghost reader!

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𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞? (Harry potter x reader)Where stories live. Discover now